Abstract: A virtual wire assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate; and a plurality of hermetic feedthroughs each comprising a conductive region extending transversely through the substrate to form a conductive pathway with accessible surfaces at opposing ends thereof, wherein each conductive pathway is electrically isolated from other conductive pathways. In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate is a semiconductor device, and the conductive regions each are comprised of an n-type or a p-type doped semiconductor material. Also disclosed are implanted medical devices requiring electronic or other components to be retained in a hermetic enclosure, such as cochlear and other sensory or neural prosthetic devices.

Abstract: A sound processing method for auditory prostheses, such as cochlear implants, which is adapted to improve the perception of loudness by users, and to improve speech perception. The overall contribution of stimuli to simulated loudness is compared with an estimate of acoustic loudness for a normally hearing listener based on the input sound signal. A weighting is applied to the filter channels to emphasize those frequencies which are most important to speech perception for normal hearing listeners when selecting channels as a basis for stimulation.

Abstract: In a cochlear implant system, the implantable stimulator includes a monitor which monitors parameters associated with the stimulation signals and/or the power stored in an energy storage element which stores energy transmitted from the processor. This parameter or parameters is/are analyzed and one or more feedback signals are generated and transmitted back to the processor. The processor uses the feedback signal to insure that power is transmitted to the stimulator optimally and that the stimulation signals are compliant.

Abstract: Zirconia-containing ceramic compositions useful for thermal barrier coatings having improved mechanical properties, especially improved fracture toughness. These compositions comprise: (1) at least about 93 mole % zirconia; (2) a stabilizing amount up to about 5 mole % of a stabilizer metal oxide selected from the group consisting of yttria, calcia, ceria, scandia, magnesia, india, gadolinia, neodymia, samaria, dysprosia, erbia, ytterbia, europia, praseodymia, and mixtures thereof, and a fracture toughness improving amount up to about 2 mole % lanthana. These ceramic compositions can be used to prepare thermal barrier coatings to provide a thermally protected article having a substrate and optionally a bond coat layer adjacent to and overlaying the substrate. The thermal barrier coating can be prepared by depositing the ceramic composition on the bond coat layer or the substrate in the absence of a bond coat layer.

Abstract: A test signal generator at a transmitter station and a facsimile generator at a receiver station go through an acquisition and tracking process which aligns the two signals so that a logical processor can compute the frequency transfer function of the entire propagation path for use in an adaptive, concurrently sent communication signal. The frequency transfer function is conveyed back to the transmit end via a control channel permitting an adaptivity function at the transmit end to influence subsequent selection of communication parameters, among which are typically transmitted data rate, selection of modulation, selection of forward error correcting coding, and selection of frequency band for transmission. The same measurement is conveyed to an adaptivity function at the receive end for use in the communications receiver to select demodulator variables such as gain control, and equalization of amplitude and phase, versus frequency.

Abstract: A system is designed for highly customizing and personalizing a greeting card through the association with a digital recording media. The CD can include a writable track for recording the user's voice input and a writable track for recording other audio and/or video input. The CD can, additionally be provided with a track prerecorded with words and music based around specific occasions, such as Mother's Day, Christmas, etc. and can be provided with a track on which is prerecorded instrumental music for use karaoke style. As a further option, the CD can be provided with a writable track for recording the user's voice merged with the music on the instrumental track.

Abstract: Improvements to a prior art collapsible wheeled caddy are disclosed to enable the caddy to be used for specialized purposes. A hinged lid is attached to the edge of the front panel to close the caddy top while lying proximate the front panel when open. The front panel can be recessed to receive the lid and preferably, arcs in the lid are dimensioned to accommodate the handles. The recess can accommodate one or more storage members, including a storage panel that have been dimensioned to be affixed within the recess. Hangers are configured to interact with the sides of the caddy to accommodate hanging items such as file folders. A back panel can be used containing retaining members to removably affix items to the panel. A stacking caddy is disclosed that has a handle recess and retaining member dimensioned to receive the wheeled handles. Caddy receiving channels are placed in the bottom of the stacking caddy to receive the edges of the wheeled caddy.

Abstract: A method for scanning a probe array is described. The method comprises tuning an excitation light to a plurality of wavelengths each within an excitation range of a fluorescent label associated with one or more target molecules; and directing the tuned excitation light of each wavelength at the probe array.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a stiffening element (15), and a stiffening sheath (16) that at least partially envelops the elongate member (11). The member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon. The member (11) has a first configuration that allows it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea (30). The member (11) also has a second configuration wherein the member is curved to match an inside surface of the cochlea (30), and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the stiffening element (15) and sheath (16) are made of a material that is relatively stiffer than the member (11). The stiffening element (15) and the stiffening sheath (16) in combination bias the elongate member (11) into the first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for measuring the spatial distribution of fluorescence from the excited radiochromic luminescent material; and for signal processing of the spatial distribution of fluorescence to thereby detect tracks of one or more heavy charged particles with which the luminescent material has been irradiated. The present invention also provides a method and system for measuring the spatial distribution of fluorescence from an excited radiochromic luminescent material that has been irradiated with a hot particle of a radioactive material. The present invention provides a method for detecting thermal and fast neutrons as well as a method for determining parameters of heavy charge particles. In several embodiments of the present invention, the luminescent material comprises Al2O3 doped with magnesium and carbon.

Abstract: A container lid that is easily sealed to prevent air and other environmental agents from infiltrating the covered container and its contents and to accommodate storage of tools such as paintbrushes or paint rollers. The lid includes a base and lip and a strap surrounding the lip to secure the position of the lid and prevent air from seeping into the container. The base of the lid can be a solid, smooth surface, or it can be configured with special features such as suction vents and pour spouts. The base further includes a hatch and slots for receiving and holding tools suspended from the lid into the container. The hatch includes features including a hatch cover, gasket, and hinge cover that prevent the passage of air into the container that when paired with the easily sealed lid on the container prevents air, pests, and other particles from ruining or contaminating the container contents or tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mammalian DNA-R proteins and genes that encode such proteins. The invention is directed toward the isolation and characterization of mammalian DNA-R proteins. The invention specifically provides isolated complementary DNA copies of mRNA corresponding to rat and human homologues of a mammalian DNA-R gene. Also provided are recombinant expression constructs capable of expressing the mammalian DNA-R genes of the invention in cultures of transformed prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as such cultures of transformed cells that synthesize the mammalian catecholamine receptor proteins encoded therein. The invention also provides methods for screening compounds in vitro that are capable of binding to the mammalian DNA-R proteins of the invention, and further characterizing the binding properties of such compounds in comparison with known DNA-R agonists and antagonists. Improved methods of pharmacological screening are provided thereby.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, functional electrical stimulation (FES) system 10 includes an implantable stimulator unit 12 for stimulating a plurality of different sites in a patient's body 14. A transmitter 20 is arranged externally of the patient's body 14 for supplying signals transcutaneously to the stimulator unit 12. A controller 16 is in communication with the transmitter 20. At least one implantable switching node 26 has an input terminal 30 in electrical communication with the stimulator unit 12 and a plurality of output terminals to each of which one of a further switching node 26 and a stimulating element 24 is connected. The switching node 26 including addressing circuitry 44 for switching at least one output terminal into electrical connection with the input terminal 30 of the switching node 26 in response to a control signal received from the controller 16 via the stimulator unit 12.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling power demands in devices with DC power supplies. In response to a detected decline in voltage levels, the device reduces power demands of the device, in one or more stages before powering down entirely. This approach has application to battery powered devices, particularly fro medical applications such as cochlear implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides transceiver modules in which a transceiver may be ejected from a cage into which the transceiver is inserted by pivoting a handle mounted on the transceiver.

Abstract: A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient transfer of genes into host cells or embryos to transform the cells or embryos by transposition vectors using the minimal amount of nucleotide sequences in the transposon piggyBac required for gene transfer. The transformed cells or embryos may also be developed into transgenic organisms.

Abstract: A preformed, self adhering single ply roofing membrane including a water impermeable membrane; a pressure sensitive, hot melt adhesive adhered to one side of the water impermeable membrane, and a release liner on the side of the pressure sensitive, hot melt adhesive opposite of the water impermeable membrane.